[Positioning nystagmus]

256 patients with postural vertigo were examined clinically and neurootologically. Positioning nystagmus (PN) was detected in 209 (81.6%) of them. Postural vertigo arose as a result of inner ear diseases or traumas (n = 52), affection of cervical spine (n = 24), cardiovascular diseases (n = 97), organic impairment of the posterior cranial fossa (n = 20), endocrine disorders (n = 5), intoxication from chronic infection foci (n = 24), neuroses with vegetative dysfunction (n-34). PN emerged, as a rule, in patients having 2-3 of the above conditions. A genesis scheme of PN is outlined with regard to interaction of the main pathogenic factors influencing the vestibular system. Horizontal-rotatory or rotatory, vertical, diagonal, bilateral horizontal or multiple PN are characteristic for peripheral vestibular dysfunctions and central vestibular dysfunction, respectively. It is reasonable to perform position tests after assessment of the patients' nervous and cardiovascular systems, the condition of cervical spine.